The New York Public Library Donates Food To New Yorkers In Need After Hurricane Sandy

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Food for 600 people will be served at several Staten Island locations on Tuesday, November 6th at 2 p.m.

NOV. 5 – The New York Public Library (NYPL) is donating food that would have been served at its annual, black-tie fundraising gala to feed Staten Islanders who have suffered devastating losses in the wake of Hurricane Sandy.

The Library’s annual Library Lions gala was scheduled to take place on Monday, Nov. 5 at the landmark Stephen A. Schwarzman Building on 42nd Street and Fifth Avenue, but was cancelled after the storm disrupted power to the building.

With thousands of New Yorkers in desperate need after Hurricane Sandy, the Library decided to donate the gala food – which can feed about 600 people – to the recovery effort being led by the city. The hot food will be served on Tuesday, Nov. 6th, on a first-come, first-served basis, starting at 2 p.m. NYPL employees will assist in serving.

Food will be served at three Staten Island locations:

Ariana’s Grand at 192 Ebbitts Street: The catering hall – owned by Frank and Marie Dimattina – was seriously damaged in Hurricane Sandy. Unable to open for business, the owners transformed the hall into a makeshift shelter, serving food and collecting supplies for their neighbors in need.

Susan Wagner High School at 1200 Manor Road: The City’s Department of Homeless Services has set up a hurricane shelter.

The Staaten at 697 Forest Avenue: Owner Gary Li Greci is donating his space to help serve Staten Islanders, and City Councilwoman Deborah Rose is working with community groups to help organize the meal.

“I would like to thank the New York Public Library for their generosity during this time,” Borough President James P. Molinaro said. “I am certain that the donated meals will be welcomed by the hundreds of Staten Islanders who have been left homeless and in need after Hurricane Sandy.”

“As the temperature falls and many Staten Islanders continue to be without electricity, heat and food, it is important that we come together to help our neighbors get through this challenging period,” said North Shore Councilwoman Debi Rose, adding that “Words cannot fully express how appreciative we are of the New York Public Library for its donation of meals.”

“Since Hurricane Sandy, we have been inspired by stories of New Yorkers helping and supporting each other, doing everything possible to get their city and their neighbors back on their feet,” said NYPL President Marx. “We are dedicated as ever to serving our communities in any way we can. In the days following the storm, New Yorkers flocked to our branches, using our Internet, charging their phones, enjoying free programming or just talking to their neighbors. It has been a clear reminder of how the city’s residents rely on and appreciate their libraries. This food donation is just another example of how NYPL is working to help New York recover. We sincerely hope it helps.”

The food – prepared by Manhattan catering company Glorious Food – is a hot meal, and includes macaroni and cheese, Caesar salad, garlic bread, Beef Bourguignon with fall vegetables, puree of rutabaga and potato, and Apple Brown Betty.

The New York Public Library is a free provider of education and information for the people of New York and beyond. With 90 locations—including research and branch libraries—throughout the Bronx, Manhattan, and Staten Island, the Library offers free materials, computer access, classes, exhibitions, programming and more to everyone from toddlers to scholars, and has seen record numbers of attendance and circulation in recent years. The New York Public Library serves more than 18 million patrons who come through its doors annually and millions more around the globe who use its resources at www.nypl.org. To offer this wide array of free programming, The New York Public Library relies on both public and private funding. Learn more about how to support the Library at nypl.org/support.